Van de Klundert says
Van der Klundert, a customer of the official Beveltools dealer Metaaltechniek, is a steel fabrication company operating in sheet metal processing and construction. They work for demanding sectors such as offshore platforms, drilling rigs, bridge construction, and transformer stations. In environments like these, coating requirements are strict, and the consequences of poor edge preparation are serious.
The application
Van der Klundert rounds cut edges on sheet metal, beams, and profiles, mostly to an R2 radius. They also occasionally prepare weld edges on thinner sheet metal using a 30-degree cutter. Both applications use the Bevel Mate® EBA. The R2 requirement comes from the paint specifications used in offshore and bridge construction projects. These specifications work on a scale from P1 to P3, where P3 is the strictest level. At P3, edges must be properly rounded to R2. It sounds simple, but achieving a true R2 means removing a significant amount of material. Around 1.5 mm is sometimes accepted, but that is the bare minimum. When a customer or inspector calls for R2, the edge needs to be visibly and measurably rounded.
The challenge of consistency
Previously, edge rounding was done with flap discs and grinding tools. The result was inconsistent, and the same edge often had to be processed multiple times. Often, the same edge had to be processed several times, which could create new sharp edges or unwanted transition marks. Additional finishing was sometimes required afterwards. In large projects where hundreds of meters, and sometimes even kilometers, of edges need to be processed, the time adds up quickly.
With the Beveltools tools and cutters, which are replaced at the right time, the result stays consistent from the very first meter to the last. Van der Klundert pointed to this repeatability as the key advantage. Beveltools allows them meet customer and coating requirements without having to re-process or correct edges along the way.
Working with harder and laser-cut steel
Van der Klundert regularly works with S355 and other higher-grade steels, often in laser- or plasma-cut form. The heat during cutting can harden the cut edge, which gives additional load on the cutter. To manage this, the sharp edge is sometimes ground off with a grinding disc before using Bevel Mate®. This small preparation helps protect the cutter and ensure a cleaner result. The application of grease or wax lubrication helps extend cutter life, especially with more demanding materials and applications.
Ease of use
Van der Klundert shared that compared to grinding, working with Beveltools feels noticeably smoother and more controlled. The machine produces less vibration and allows for a more comfortable working posture, which matters when processing long profiles throughout a full working day. To work efficiently on longer sections, Van der Klundert positions profiles on welding tables or vertically to address multiple sides without unnecessary repositioning.
Strict requirements
Standards for edge finishing in offshore, bridge construction, and defense projects are being assessed very strictly. Paint shops and contractors are increasingly required to provide long-term warranties, making proper preparation essential. Tools that provide a controlled result are a part of meeting the specification.
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